HCS HB 2147 -- UTILICARE STABILIZATION FUND

SPONSOR:  Emery (Skaggs)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Utilities by a vote of 9 to 0.

This substitute increases the maximum allowable funding for
households eligible to receive financial assistance for heating
and cooling expenses from the Utilicare Stabilization Fund,
administered by the Department of Social Services, from $600 to
$800 per household per fiscal year.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that federal support for heating
assistance has not increased but costs have risen.  In 2007,
40,000 Missouri homes were without adequate heating at the start
of the winter.  Utilicare funds may be used for improvements in
energy efficiency and weatherization programs which provide
long-term solutions to heating problems.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Skaggs; Missouri
Public Service Commission; AARP-Missouri; Department of Natural
Resources; and Missouri Association for Community Action.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm